General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I admit it, I'm dumb about alligators. [View all]bvar22
(39,909 posts)I've spent a lot of time working and playing in South Louisiana, and am glad it is off the tourist circuit.
I hope it stays that way. Its beauty and culture is unique, the resources bountiful....and best of all, some of the best food in the World. It is a place to be careful, and not just of the gators. The locals can be suspicious and hostile to outsiders.
Gators generally hunt at night, and sleep on land during the day, but that isn't hard and fast.
They can be attracted by movement on the shore, like a fisherman casting.
A gator big enough to hurt you is usually pretty easy to spot. It is the Cotton Mouths that are more difficult to see.
In my years there, I can't recall anyone sitting on the bank of a bayou or canal after dark, or fishing from the bank after dark.
Gators can move surprisingly fast on land. The folklore states that if a gator ever chases you, run in a zig-zag because they can't turn corners.
I think this is bunk.
Gators hunt and ambush from the water. I don't know anyone who has been "chased" by a gator, and have never seen a gator chase anything on dry land. Females WILL defend their nests, and that can be scary, but that is limited to a small area, and you will be OK if you back away quickly..... remember to run in a zig-zag.